No Fooling, Lawmakers Do Read Their Mail

WASHINGTON — ''Write your congressman,'' a tactic so often recommended to disgruntled citizens, really is worthwhile, says a former congressman, especially if it is done well.

Orval Hansen, former representative from Idaho, made an in-depth study of congressional mail and concluded that, indeed, writing your congressman can be effective. Hansen warns, however, that quality is more important than quantity in communicating with members of the House of Representatives.

His research on congressional mail was the basis for a doctoral dissertation that recently earned him a doctorate at George Washington University.

Since 1972, the volume of mail sent to House members has increased dramatically. In 1985 alone, House members received about 200 million pieces of mail. He suggests the mail boom is the result of advances in communication technology and the growth of grass-roots lobbying activities.

Despite the flood, however, Hansen says House members generally manage to keep up with their mail, in part by reading it personally and with reports prepared by their staff.

Hansen would calm the fears of those who suspect much of the mail never gets beyond staff members, and is never seen by the addressee. ''In processing the mail, the staff serves primarily as a conduit rather than as a filter,'' he reports.

Hansen's study points to several elements that make mail more effective. Most important is that the letter writer should know what he is talking about and ''reflect informed opinion.''

A lawmaker also is more likely to pay attention if the writer is affected in a direct or personal way by the issue being discussed, Hansen notes.

A member's own experience and knowledge of the subject raised in the letter also is a factor. Those who have a record of past votes or expertise on an issue are less likely to be influenced by what constituents say in their letters.

A tactic popular with organized groups is to hand out form letters to their members who in turn send the letters to members of Congress. That produces volume, but does not necessarily achieve the desired result, Hansen notes. Individual letters receive much more attention in a congressional office than do form letters, he reports.